Sea level change can have significant impacts on coastal ecosystems. As sea levels rise, coastal habitats such as wetlands, marshes, and mangroves can be drowned or eroded, leading to loss of habitat for many plant and animal species. This can disrupt the delicate balance of these ecosystems, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Additionally, higher sea levels can increase coastal erosion, leading to loss of land and increased vulnerability to storms and flooding. Rising sea levels can also lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater habitats, affecting plants and animals that cannot tolerate high salinity levels. Overall, sea level change can have profound effects on the health and stability of coastal ecosystems.
